According to Japanese news outlets, discussions are taking place at the national level about expanding the next FIFA World Cup to include 64 participating countries, up from the current 32. While no official decision has been made yet, it appears that Japanese sports authorities are actively considering this ambitious proposal. Should it come to fruition, the change would mark a significant shift in the structure of this globally beloved sporting event.

Soccer, known as football in Japan, is a popular sport and the FIFA World Cup is a widely enjoyed event. Japanese audiences value the international camaraderie and competitive spirit epitomized by the World Cup. The proposition to expand the participating countries demonstrates Japan's commitment to broaden engagement and recognition in the sport - a value often mirrored in various Japanese sporting contexts.

Expansion of major sports events is also seen in the US and EU, although the scale of this proposal is noteworthy. The NFL and NBA in the US have expanded in recent years to increase international visibility and participation. FIFA's expansion was a hot topic in the EU as well when it was proposed, raised, and approved to have 48 teams for the 2026 World Cup.